Collection (1996-0122) (11,500 items; 34.5 lin. ft.; 1944-1996) contains research materials
in parapsychology spanning five decades; data and records from numerous parapsychology
experiments (1947-1989); correspondence files, which include nearly all important scientists
in the field (1944-1996); and various printed materials, among which are several boxes of
“psychic healing”
literature. Some papers document in
great detail professional criticism, disputes, and controversies over several decades.

The addition (1997-0084) (3000 items; 6.0 lin. ft.; 1951-1991) includes research records
(many having to do with funding for projects) and correspondence. Also includes copies of
many of McConnell's publications (often two copies of each).

The addition (2000-0274) (3 items; 0.2 lin. ft.; 2000) to the collection contains a copy of
McConnell's book Joyride to Infinity (2000),
related items, and printouts of McConnell's website: www.ramcconnell.com. (No container list
was created for this addition.)

The addition (2000-0431) (8 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; 2000) contains statements and articles by
McConnell summing up his beliefs and positions on the existence of experimental phenomenon,
the importance of parapsychology, and arguments against scientists who claim that
parapsychological phenomena do not exist. (No container list was created for this
addition.)

Access to the Collection

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this
collection.

All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library
Service Center. The library may require up to 48 hours to retrieve these materials for
research use.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book
& Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use & Permissions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University.
For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the
David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

The addition (1997-0084) (3500 items; 6.5 lin. ft.; 1951-1997) contains research
records (many having to do with funding for projects) and correspondence. Also includes
copies of many of McConnell's publications (often two copies of each). This addition
also includes correspondence and McConnell's letters with the FLAS (Federation of
American Scientists). Correspondence is arranged according to surname and date; FLFAS
corresondence was organized by R.A. McConnell and assigned numerical values (key for
values is provided in Box 5).

The addition (2000-0431) (8 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; 2000) includes statements and articles
by McConnell summarizing his beliefs and positions on the existence of experimental
phenomenon, the importance of parapsychology, and arguments against scientists who claim
that parapsychological phenomena do not exist. This material can also be found on
McConnell's website.

The addition (2008-0290) (4500 items; 6 lin. ft.; 1953-1990s) consists largely of
individual correspondence (organized alphabetically), committee materials, and committee
correspondence. For a more complete description of the materials, please see the donor's
inventory in the Collection Control File.

This is a preliminary finding aid for an unprocessed collection. Materials have been
reboxed for preservation, but no additional arrangement has been completed at this
time.

Conditions Governing Access note

This accession is restricted. Please contact Reference Services with questions.